Developmentally Appropriate Practice (DAP) is a holistic concept that encompasses all aspects of learning and development in the early years. In essence, DAP is a way of thinking about early care and education as a joyful, playful, and loving human endeavor that nurtures the growth of the whole child. Your Written Response Assessment consists of 9 items focusing on the core considerations in developmentally appropriate practice; the principles of child development and learning that inform practice; the guidelines for developmentally appropriate practice; and effective family engagement principles.